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We Are All Artists: A Polzeath Story
"We Are All Artists" is a 12-minute short film by award-winning director Simon Ratigan, filmed entirely in and around Polzeath during visits in 2023 and 2024. This beautifully balanced film is a celebration of the beauty of Beach Art in its Polzeath setting and an intimate portrait of local Beach Artist Bill Bartlett.
It's also a celebration of Ratigan's unique documentary style with viewers introduced to the sacred geometric process and the brief transformation of the beach into fleeting masterpieces. The film captures the beauty of Polzeath's ever changing beach and showcases its dramatic coastline.
Beyond the visual spectacle, "We Are All Artists" also delves into the philosophical reflections of Bill Bartlett. His comments on creativity, the artist's spirit, and the connection between art and nature provide an interesting counterpoint to the film's visuals. As Simon says: "The film is as much about Bill's Beach Art as it is about his thoughts on being an artist."
The film is a must-see for those who love Polzeath and anyone seeking inspiration on a beach. A short testament to universal artistic expression and a celebration of the beauty found on the North Cornwall coast.
Join a journey of discovery and reflection, and find that, indeed, "We Are All Artists."
We Are All Artists: A Beach-Zen Masterpiece!
We Are All Artists: A Beach-Zen Masterpiece!
Simon Ratigan’s “We Are All Artists” is the cinematic equivalent of finding enlightenment etched in the sand, only to have it kissed away by the incoming tide, leaving you somehow… more.
This isn't your typical art doc; this is a 12-minute shot of pure Cornish magic, and a deeply resonant portrait of a seaside beach artist who turns fleeting moments and sacred geometry into something bordering on the profound.
From the moment we see the windswept shores of North Cornwall, Ratigan’s evocative visual storytelling grabs you by the soul and doesn't let go.
We’re introduced to a rather "relaxed beach artist" whose penchant for drawing circles inspired by sacred geometry poses some big questions. As Billy himself muses, his art is "a simple way to explore who we really are and connect with others". And this film really does connect.
Audience reaction has been more than positive. A full house at a local screening was so moved they watched the film twice, agreeing that it was a "masterpiece that resonated deeply". One viewer described it as "moving and engaging," and found, like everyone else, the last minutes "infectiously funny and deeply profound" at the same time.
It's not that often "a truly wonderful film" comes along but somehow Simon Ratigan has bottled the "strangeness and wonder" of the artist's spirit, and the profound connection between art and nature. And this isn't just about the visual spectacle of giant geometric shapes emerging from the sand; it's about the deeper understanding of ourselves that these creations can spark. As Ratigan himself puts it, "The film is as much about Billy's thoughts on being an artist as it is on his beach art".
The film beautifully captures the ever-changing canvas of Polzeath beach and its dramatic coastline, reminding us of the transient nature of both art and life.
"We Are All Artists" is an experience that reminds us that creativity resides within everyone and that even the simplest acts, performed with intention and a connection to our surroundings, can be deeply meaningful.
Go see this film. Let it wash over you like the Polzeath surf. You might just find a little bit more of the artist within yourself.
Filmed: May 2023 and July 2024. Post Production: London Jan-March 2025
Simon Ratigan (Director, Cinematography, Editing):
Simon Ratigan is a highly accomplished director known for his evocative visual storytelling and ability to find compelling narratives in unexpected places. His diverse filmography includes the documentary "Missile from the East" (2021 Producer), the totally inspirational documentary "Alex Lewis Mountain" (2023 Director), and numerous award-winning commercials for major brands like Land Rover and Honda. Ratigan's keen eye for detail and intimate approach are free to be entirely his own in "We Are All Artists," where he also takes on the roles of cinematographer and editor, showcasing his deep connection to his subject. His work is often praised for its emotional resonance and stunning visuals and here he tells a story that taps directly into our collective consciousness.
William "Billy" Bartlett (Featured Artist, Aerial Photography):
The heart of "We Are All Artists," Billy Bartlett, is an individual deeply connected to the Polzeath coastline. A local historian and relaxed beach artist, Billy creates intricate and ephemeral circle combinations on the beach, inspired by sacred geometry and his understanding of the local landscape. With a background in psychology, he sees his beach art as a simple way to explore who we really are and connect with others. His unique perspective and artistic process are central to the film, and his photographs offer breathtaking views of his large-scale creations on the stunning North Cornwall coast.
Seamus O'Kane (Colour Grade):
Seamus O'Kane is a highly respected and sought-after colourist in the film and advertising industry. With decades of experience, including a significant period as Head of Colour at The Mill, he has worked on countless iconic commercials and films. Now with The Post Arm, O'Kane brings his expert eye and nuanced understanding of light and colour to "We Are All Artists," enhancing the film's visual beauty and emotional impact. His work ensures a rich and immersive viewing experience and he highlights the beach art and coastline in a truly beautiful and unexpected way.
Anthony Moore (Sound):
Anthony Moore is a multi-award-winning sound designer and composer, and the Chief Creative Officer of Factory Studios and SIREN. 1 With over 25 years of experience, Moore is renowned for his innovative and emotionally resonant soundscapes in commercials (including John Lewis Christmas campaigns and Channel 4's "We're The Super Humans"), film, and immersive installations. His contribution to "We Are All Artists" creates an auditory experience that complements the film's visuals and deepens its emotional impact.
Due to the tight schedule leading up to the local Cornish test screenings, we were unable to complete the full 5.1 surround sound mix for the initial screening but an enhanced audio experience will be added for future cinema showings and a festival premiere. This will allow audiences to truly immerse themselves in the film's soundscape
Alex Hull (Music):
The evocative music for "We Are All Artists" comes from Alex Hull, sourced via Pond5. Pond5 is a platform known for its diverse library of high-quality music from independent artists and Hull's music provides a backdrop that adds a subtle mood and emotional narrative to Billy's thoughts and the beauty of the Cornish coast.
The Seed Behind the Film
My Beach Art sessions often start with 7 equal sized circles which "seed" other patterns. Simon's film was seeded by a pattern I'd drawn on Polzeath Beach under his New Polzeath hotel in March 7th, 2023. He'd photographed it while on a short break in Polzeath with his wife and that evening he sent me a message on Instagram.
"Hi Bill. Saw your art this morning and really loved it. I’m a filmmaker and would like to talk about maybe doing a documentary short on you and your amazing work. Are you around tom morning for a chat? My name is Simon Ratigan and I’m staying locally. Kind regards Simon"
Due to a delay in checking my messages, my response came a week later:
"Hi Simon. Sorry I just saw this. I'd love to do something with you if you are around still. I did do a short with a German Film crew last year as part of a series on Cornwall and that seemed to work well although I'd have other ideas on what is interesting. It's best to contact me on 07486461998 or messenger me on my facebook @beachartists. apologies again in the slowness of this response! Bill "
These messages would be the seed for what would become the film "We Are All Artists" with Simon coming to stay in my static caravan for a few perfect days in May 2023 and filming and interviewing me for what seemed like two days almost non-stop.
So "perfect" was Cornwall and the beach that in fact Simon thought he hadn't captured the essence of Cornwall! Here the wind and the squalls often don't make for such perfect conditions and so he returned in July 2024 to capture something of that. So again we filmed for what seemed like another solid two days with Simon getting up at dawn and filming until dusk.
Of course that was all just the beginning! Simon then had to find the time in his busy schedule to do the rest!
The screenshots of my Facebook posts will give you an insight into some of the one-man filming process and Simon's dedication to his art.
The Two Bays Trust is a mental health and wellbeing charity leading conservation events and activities for the benefit of people and the environment.
The Two Bays Coastal Centre @Trevathan Farm, St Endellion, Port Isaac, United Kingdom
+44 7807 102562
barnabyk@twobays.org
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